'A Clockwork Orange'

A clockwork Orange (1971) 

Director: Stanley Kubrick




This week I will be reviewing and sharing my views on the film ‘A Clockwork Orange’ it is one of the most controversial films of all time. The film caused a public outrage the controversial issues and values that were brought to light shocked many who watched the film. Initially, the film was banned because of its violent and sexual content. Some said that the film was ‘sick and the BBFC couldn’t possibly allow the ‘pornography’ that the film revealed. The views on ‘A Clock work Orange’ were so varied that the film received a huge audience when released. Many people were interested in the film after reading the novel, which had two different endings. American director ‘Stanley Kubrick’ had chosen to show the ending that left the audience to reflect, and decide themselves what would happen. The film was immensely criticised by feminists as women were seem to have been portrayed as weak and vulnerable. ‘A Clockwork Orange’ is about a teenage boy Alex (McDowell) who enjoys performing ultra violence. Along with his thuggish friends (The Droogs) Alex performs his acts whilst hearing the sound of Beethoven.
The scenes that caused the most controversy were those that explored the violation of innocent people. There is a scene where a curvaceous naked woman is being raped by a gang of army troops. The defence that is made in this case is that the scene is unrealistic and circus like. For example the music used comes across as light hearted and has an upbeat tone. The woman featured in this scene has extraordinarily large breasts and long hair, almost symbolising a blow up doll. The way in which the victim is pulled to and throw is theatrical and comes across as cheoragraphical. However many women found this scene uncomfortable and embarrassing, the scene even suggests ‘making a mockery’ of rape victims. Another scene that caused concern, was the reason why initially Kubrick himself ended up stopping his own film being shown. The scene shows a ruthless attack on an innocent drunk tramp. The man appears old and frail, and the attack is completely unprovoked. Firstly, the droogs befriend the old man by clapping as his singing and engaging him in conversation. However, eventually they beat the old man to death in a chilling turn of events. Kubrick was forced to withdraw his own film, after a copycat attack took place after previews of the film.
The last scene that was highlighted as a ‘controversial’ scene was the attack of the innocent husband and wife who were tricked into letting The Droogs into their house. The Droogs had previously knocked on the door of a large house owned by a successful writer and his young wife. Alex pleads to the couple to let him in and insists that his friend had just been badly hurt, and asks to use a telephone. After a while the wife opens the door and The Droogs enter and start to ransack the house. They then beat the writer and tie him up. After they begin to rape the writers wife in front of him, as he lays on the floor defenceless. It is this scene that highlights the Droog’s insolence and lack of conscience. Throughout the film we see a series of ultra violence and controversy, the story concludes with Alex being forced to watch his actions which leaves us as an audience to question the famous film; should it be acceptable to take away freewill to cure the violent? The film brings up many factors that are wrong with to days society. It is ironic that the film was released many years ago in 1971 as there are still many occurrences of violence today, although the scenes featured are extreme they are not so much now days as our society is more exposed to the violence that occurs across the UK and the world.

Cast:

Malcolm McDowell - (Alex)
Katya Wyeth - (Girl)
Vivienne Chandler - (Handmaiden)
Lee Fox
James Marcus - (Georgie)
Richard Connaught
Jan Adair
Barrie Cookson
Prudence Drage
Cheryl Grunwald - (Rape Victim)
Craig Hunter - (Dr. Friendly)
Shirley Jaffe
Michael Tarn - (Pete)
Patrick Magee - (Mr. Frank Alexander)
Michael Bates - (Chief Guard)
Adrienne Corri - (Mrs. Alexander)
Warren Clarke - (Dim)
Aubrey Morris - (P.R. Deltoid)
Steven Berkoff - (Constable)
Gaye Brown
Peter Burton
Lindsay Campbell - (Inspector)
John Carney - (C.I.D. Official)
John Clive - (Stage Actor)
Carol Drinkwater - (Nurse Feeley)
Carl Duering - (Dr. Brodsky)
Paul Farrell - (Tramp)
Clive Francis - (Lodger)
Michael Gover - (Prison Governor)
Gillian Hills - (Sonietta)
Miriam Karlin - (Cat Lady)
David Prowse - (Julian)